What You Can Discover Visiting to Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress also known as Arin Berd is a fortified city from the ancient kingdom of Urartu, located in what is present-day Yerevan, Armenia. It was one of several fortresses built along the northern Urartu border and was one of the most important political, economic and cultural centers of the vast kingdom. The name Yerevan itself is derived from Erebuni.

Erebuni was founded by King Argishti I (r. ca. 785–753 B.C.) in 782 B.C. It was built on top of a hill called Arin Berd overlooking the Arax! River Valley to serve as a military stronghold to protect the kingdom's northern borders.

Erebuni Museum of History in Yerevan

The Erebuni Historical & Archeological Culture-Preserve was founded on May 24, 1968 according to Resolution 225, passed by the Government of the Republic of Armenia.

It was created to scientifically validate finds discovered in the three famous archaeological sites of Arin Berd, Karmir Blur and Shengavit, situated in the administrative boundaries of Yerevan. The Culture-Preserve’s main interest is in documenting the history of the establishment of Yerevan. It operates according to its charter to promote scientific information, educational and cultural activity.

Arin Berd as a stategic position overlooking Ararat(n1)

The site of Erebuni Fortress was located atop the 65 m tall hill of Arin Berd as a stategic position overlooking the Ararat plain and the main roads leading to the citadel. It also overlooked cramped Urartian town made up of residences below at the foot of the hill.

The main entrance to the fortresswas located at the more gently sloped southeastern site of the hill. It led to the central yard of the citadel. Ceremonies held by the personal guards of Argishti I and guards of the fortress garrison were held here. In the southwest portion of the yard was a temple of the god Khaldi.

Excavations were carried out at Erebuni in 1952

Early excavations began during the nineteenth century while more systematic excavations were carried out at Erebuni in 1952, under the joint sponsorship of the Armenian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography and the Pushkin Museum's Board for the Preservation and Restoration of Architectural Monuments.

Dozens of Urartian and Achaemenian artifacts, such as pottery, earthenware, belt-buckles, bracelets, beads, drinking vessels, helmets, arrows and silver coins, were also uncovered...

Teishebaini was built by Rusa II in 7th century BC

The city of Teishebaini was built by Rusa II in the first half of the 7th century BC to protect the eastern borders of Urartu from the barbaric Cimmerians and Scythians.

Within the city was a governors palace that contained a hundred and twenty rooms spreading across more than ten acres, and citadel named the Citadel of Teisheba after the Urartian god of war. The construction of the city, palace, and the citadel were not fully finished until the reign of Rusa III, some 50 years later.

“Erebuni” Historical & Archaeological Museum-Reserve celebrated the International Day for Monuments and Sites

Within the framework of the International Day for Monuments and Sites, on April 18, 2016 in “Erebuni” Historical & Archaeological Museum-Reserve a temporary exhibition, entitled “Lion and Bull hunt in the Ancient Near East” was exhibited, dedicated to the heritage of sport. The event launched with the welcoming speech of the director of “Erebuni” Historical & Archaeological Museum-Reserve, president of ICOMOS/Armenia NGO Mr. G. Gyurjyan. Congratulating the professional day of the heritage guards, Mr. Gyurjyan made reference to the history of sport, to its development, which was partially reflected in the exhibition.

Mr. Vahram Kajoyan, Secretary General of the Armenian National Commission for UNESCO, Mr. Ruben Hovhannisyan, the head of Culture and Tourism department of staff of Yerevan municipality, Mr. Armen Abroyan, the head of agency for protection of monuments of history and culture, Mr. Robert Minasyan, director of Tourism Institute, also come up with welcoming speeches.

Congratulating the International Day for Monuments and Sites, Mr. R. Hovhannisyan spoke about the new exhibition and emphasized that the Armenians are one of the nations that in all spheres, including in sport, have a rich heritage. Mr. V. Kajoyan found the theme of the exhibition symbolic and consistent with the victory of the Armenians in the imposed war situation in the last days as well as with the achievements of Armenian weightlifters. He mentioned, that it is very important to preserve and pass our rich heritage to the future generations and in this regard “Erebuni” Historical & Archaeological Museum-Reserve is carrying out an important work by preserving and popularizing our heritage.

By the initiative of ICOMOS, this year the International Day for Monuments and Sites is celebrated within the context of “Heritage of Sport”. The exhibition, organized by the “Erebuni” Historical & Archaeological Museum-Reserve and ICOMOS/Armenia NGO, within the framework of the International Day for Monuments and Sites, will run until May 8, 2016.

Achaemenid period

Silver Medalions

Ancient wall-paintings

Souvenirs' shop in Museum

In Erebuni museum we have a gifts' and souvenirs' shop inside where you can buy different type of souvenirs relating to a particular topic.

Guest Book

The site of Erebuni Fortress was located atop the 65 m tall hill of Arin Berd as a stategic position overlooking the Ararat plain and the main roads leading to the citadel. It also overlooked cramped Urartian town made up of residences below at the foot of the hill.

The main entrance to the fortresswas located at the more gently sloped southeastern site of the hill. It led to the central yard of the citadel. Ceremonies held by the personal guards of Argishti I and guards of the fortress garrison were held here.